The Year Of Luigi Will Continue Into Early 2014

Luigi's had a big year, and while the green-clad plumber certainly rose to the challenge, he's probably looking forward to a break after the new year. Unfortunately, he won't be able to trade overalls for sweatpants quite so soon.

Speaking with Siliconera, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime suggested that some Luigi-themed activities will be continuing on into early 2014. The Year of Luigi was first announced on February 14, 2013, so it makes sense that Nintendo wouldn't short-change fans.

"There are some Year of Luigi activities that will continue into 2014—including some of the special products that we’ve launched (the Luigi remote and the Mario and Luigi 3DS XL)—so there will be some Luigi products to carry the Luigi banner into the next calendar year," Fils-Aime said. Maybe there's one last game surprise Nintendo has up its sleeve.[Source: Siliconera]

Our TakeMany of us (myself included) chuckled a bit when Nintendo announced the Year of Luigi. 10 months later, I've heard it mentioned dozens of times by fans and writers alike. It's a smart marketing move, as it buoys titles that might otherwise be overlooked by tying them to heavier hitters. Nintendo played this one very well, and I'd love to see them do something like it again.

So are they trying to launch Luigi as a stand alone brand? For instance, they'll have their "heavy hitters" like Mario, Zelda, Metroid, and now Luigi as well?

If so, I really wish they'd focus on some new IPs rather than try to do what I'd like to think of as "Spin Offs". Remember how Joey had his own spin off after friends? How'd that work out? Or the Lone Gunmen Spin Off from X-Files? Yeah that turned out good too... Now, Luigi has his own spin off!

What more could they do with Luigi, as far as a new game goes? He got both a 3D and a 2D game, and he's going to be in Smash Bros., as well as Mario Kart. Those both come out early next year, so I don't see why they wouldn't want to highlight Luigi there, too.